Two of the more popular species of trout in the world are the brook and rainbow trout. The two fish are really quite different, especially when it comes to both color and size. The one thing that they both most certainly have in common is the fact that they are both trout, and popular trout at that.



Rainbow Trout - These beautiful fish have been stocked in most streams by state hatcheries, and have become the backbone of our trout fishery in the United States. Rainbows have glowing rows of black spots on the back, sides and tail. A pinkish-red band can be found on both sides of the fish, thus the name "rainbow". This fish is noted for its spectacular leaps and hard fighting when hooked. Rainbow trout thrive in clear, cool streams and rivers but have been known to survive in warm silt bottom streams as well. Rainbows are larger than Brook trout and generally dominate areas shared by the two species. Given the proper conditions a rainbow trout can grow to be over 25 pounds, although this is the exception, rather than the rule. In normal situations an average rainbow trout is 17-20 inches or about ½ to 3 pounds.